New Orleans man sentenced to 15 years for attempted murder at Metairie block party

A New Orleans man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday, after he admitted he exchanged gunfire with members of a rival dance group at a Metairie block party, leaving an 11-month-old boy and two others wounded. Carlos Thomas, 22, 5019 St. Anthony St., pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in the March 14, 2010 shooting in the 1600 block of Arnoult Road.

JPSOCarlos Thomas

Thomas, known as "Noonie," was a member of the dance group "Blazer Boyz," who fired at members of the rival dance group "Lova Boys," authorities said. Jefferson Parish sheriff's deputies collected 40 spent shell casings.

Thomas, who had a 2009 conviction for possessing cocaine in New Orleans Criminal District Court, was barred from having guns.

A man survived after being shot several times in his arm and leg, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office said. A bullet grazed the child's head, and a Kenner woman was shot in the arm. Thomas was not accused of wounding the child or woman.

Prosecutors on Friday dismissed a charge of attempted second-degree murder against Thomas' brother, Emile Thomas, 25, of 5019 St. Anthony St., after a witness changed their story about what transpired on Arnoult Road.

Thomas' trial was scheduled for this week, but his attorney Dennis Moore announced Wednesday his client would plead guilty to the charges. Assistant District Attorney Jerry Smith agreed to not seek an enhanced sentence under the state's habitual offender law.

Judge Steve Windhorst of the 24th Judicial District Court sentenced Thomas to 15 years on the attempted murder and firearm charges and ran them concurrently. Windhorst also recommended Thomas be housed at the Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson, so that he could participate in a boxing program there, court records show.

â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢â¢

Paul Purpura can be reached at ppurpura@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3791.